You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with esophageal cancer. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your healthcare provider:

Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.

Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.

Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

About Your Risk of Developing Esophageal Cancer

Is there anything in my medical history to warrant a look at and biopsy of my esophagus?

How do I know if my
heartburn
is being treated adequately to prevent it from becoming cancer?

About Treatment Options

What treatments do you recommend?

Please explain the risks and benefits of each treatment.

How effective are these treatments?

How do you expect my cancer to react?

Can you refer me to someone who has been through what you are proposing, so that I may talk to them about their experiences?

About Quality of Life Issues

Please connect me with a pain treatment center.

Do I need a nutritionist?

How severe do my swallowing symptoms need be before I should seek intervention to prevent lung complications?

About End-of-Life Preparations

When should I consider hospice care?

What can hospice care offer my family and me?

When should I bring my family in for open progress reports?

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

You will be in frequent contact with your treatment team. Arrange a time to discuss these important issues and events:

Before choosing a recommended treatment

When you are not maintaining your weight

When you are aspirating (inhaling) food, liquids, or saliva

When your pain relief is insufficient

When care in your present situation is inadequate or an excessive burden on your caretakers

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.